Choose the jurisdiction for your business
Alberta and Ontario offer provincial incorporation, while federal incorporation is available under federal corporate legislation. The right choice depends on where you operate, your name strategy and administrative requirements. Federal incorporation does not remove the need for applicable provincial registrations.
Named and numbered corporations
A named corporation uses an approved legal name and may require a name search or report. A numbered corporation receives a number as part of its legal name and can simplify the naming stage. A trade name or operating name is not the same as the corporation’s legal name, and separate registration requirements may apply.
Filing is only the beginning
After incorporation, organize the articles, corporate records, bylaws and shareholder information. Set up separate banking and bookkeeping. Confirm the CRA Business Number and corporate income tax account. GST/HST, payroll and import/export accounts depend on your activities and are not all automatically required.
Confirm what your package includes
Ask whether government fees, name reports, corporate records and additional registrations are included. TaxRush confirms the selected package and quote before work begins. A consultation can help connect the incorporation filing to your first-year accounting obligations without assuming incorporation is the right structure for every business.
Frequently asked question
Does federal incorporation cover every provincial requirement?
No. Provincial or territorial registration requirements may still apply depending on where the corporation carries on business.
Put the next step into practice.
Learn how TaxRush can support your situation, and request a written quote for the work you need.
Explore related serviceThis guide is general information, not personalized tax or legal advice. Rules and administrative policies can change. Review current guidance at Canada Revenue Agency and get advice for your circumstances.